Zero Charisma (2013) User Reviews

You need to roll a 20...

[paul_haakonsen · 7/10 · 12 November 2013]

If you are a lover of role-playing games, as I am, then you just definitely have got to watch "Zero Charisma". Where as the movie "Gamerz" was great, then "Zero Charisma" totally re-invents the foundation of this geeky genre.

The story is about Scott (played by Sam Eidson) who lives with his grandmother (played by Anne Gee Byrd). Scott is an avid fan of fantasy role-playing games and a metalhead, and has spent the last three years on his campaign, where he is the Game Master for his friends. When one have to drop out of the game, due to personal reasons (read, actually having a wife who wants to separate him), Scott has to find a replacement for the group. Enter Miles (played by Garrett Graham) who has it all, and Scott quickly finds himself without control of the game and his world - both real and imaginary - comes tumbling down around him.

What makes this movie great? Well it is a good comedy, especially because it is a geeky comedy. There are hilarious moments in the movie, just as there are awkward moments. The characters are well portrayed, had lots of personality (no Charisma 0 here, you gamers will get this one!), and were easy to grow attached to.

Now, from an avid role-player of Dungeons & Dragons for just about 27 years, then there were so many aspects to this movie that just strikes familiar and true to the point where it was downright scary. Us role-playing people tend to have odd routines and rituals, and oddly enough tend to listen to metal. There were so many things in the movie that could easily be painted on me or the guys I play D&D with.

"Zero Charisma" progresses at a nice pace, building up the story quite nicely. However, the ending was a bit too much in my opinion, and the movie would have fared better with a different ending. But hey, we all have different likes and dislikes.

Regardless of you being a role-player, familiar with the fantasy (or Sci-Fi) RPG games or not, then "Zero Charisma" is a great movie with lots of fun and great situations. If you enjoy geeky comedies, then you definitely need to watch this movie.

I raise my sword and roll my d10 dice, with "Zero Charisma" scoring a well-deserved 7 out of 10 star rating.

Well that was awkward

[jonnytheshirt · 6/10 · 15 October 2013]

Well I watched this because I tremendously enjoyed gaming as a kid, before the internet and Playstations it was great. Is this a geek movie for geeks, nerds gamers or whomever? Yes in some aspects - I started watching it with my girlfriend who can happily watch the Avengers and whatnot but changed movie, the game references just went over her head so I watched it later myself. In the end however really at it's core to me it reflects people, their obsessions, their behaviour and interactions. The Game is a catalyst really and the movie proved more thought provoking than I expected, and more seious, the cast were good and incredibly awkward at times which provided the laughs. Zero Charisma was apt. Enjoyable enough however although I'd certainly recommend only to those who don't mind their geekery.

Not for everyone.

[jellopuke · 5/10 · 3 July 2019]

Very dark character study of a damaged person that is painful to watch at times and doesn't exactly provide any catharsis or character growth. But it does paint a vivid picture of one sad, sad man and his world.

Not a Comedy

[death-hawk1 · 4/10 · 7 April 2014]

This film was more a tragedy than a comedy. It follows the trials of Scott an overweight D&D aficionado who lives utterly for and mostly in the fantasy world he has created for his fellow gamers. He has no girlfriend, prospects, true friends or social life outside his D&D set. Whenever he is faced with any challenge to his world he flies into a childlike tantrum only serving to make things worse. Because of this last I had very little pity for Scott and in most cases thought he received his just desserts.

The plot of the film doesn't really progress anywhere although Sam Eidson's portrayal of Scott was superb. The film revolves utterly around Scott so the poor performances of the remaining cast go unnoticed.

This film is not a "Comedy." I did not laugh once. Considering the sad and depressing nature of Scott's life and the fact that he appears to learn no real lesson or change any facet of his character by the film's conclusion it can only be seen as a tragedy. And a poor one at that.

Hauntingly Real

[sdipietro1 · 9/10 · 29 September 2014]

I really don't recall how I ran in to this movie late last year but it seemed interesting and I gave it a watch. Honestly, it was probably one of the smartest and realistic movies of 2013. Here's the thing, I know the real life versions of the characters portrayed in this film. The main character, is a guy who has relentless passion for the tabletop gaming lifestyle. It is his social life, his hobby, his job and even his family life to some degree. He invests almost 100% of his time into this activity. This of course causes problems since he tends to be overbearing, a control freak and even an a$$hole throughout the film. But the film even touches on the reasons for how he became this way. He is a man who is relatively young, overweight, balding, unattractive and was abandoned by his mother. So he is almost the tragic hero in a sense since he was an outcast in society and even in his family life. His circle of friends are basically in the same boat as him. While they all have different personalities, they all represent the classic "geek". They represent that oldschool fanboy that never gets laid, dresses sloppily, has poor social skills, possible bad hygiene and lives on a high sugar and fat diet.

The group eventually meets a new gaming partner named Miles. Miles, in my opinion was fascinating because he was cast PERFECTLY. He represents the new type of nerd which is more mainstream, the HIPSTER NERD. He is the very typical tall, thin man who wears thick rimmed glasses, uses tight clothing, light facial hair and has a calm and more sociable demeanor. Now in the film, it was very interesting for me to see this since because we never had a film that really showed how both types of "NERDS" are similar yet so different. And the film is brutally honest about that fact that the more GEEKY nerds are still very much the social outcasts that they always were. While on the other hand, the new Hipster Nerds are basically the nerds that are more popular and accepted in society. And they tend to lead more eventful and interesting lives while having similar interests to the GEEKS.

The ending to this film is not a happy one by any means. The main character shows a sense of jealousy toward the new guy who is cooler that him. But throughout the film, despite his jealousy, he senses that something is off and the new guy is not exactly what he seems. And towards the end of the film, he finds out that Miles throws a party at his house without inviting his tabletop gaming buddies, and it is indirectly revealed that even among nerds, the GEEKS are outcasts that are unpopular.

But all in all, I really enjoyed this film very much because as a nerd (which type am I? lol), I found many elements portrayed to be very real. I have totally seen similar types of stories play out in my personal life regarding the GEEK NERD vs.HIPSTER NERD stigmas. The character studies on the main character and even some of the supporting characters were compelling and enjoyable to watch. And I am really interested in seeing what the directors come up with next...SEQUEL PLEASE!!

an insulting waste of 97 minutes of my life...

[spazzyp · 1/10 · 2 November 2013]

Frankly as a nerd i'm quite offended by this ridiculously predictable portrayal of a nerds life, it has just about every boring cliché that has become overused by years of declining media values such as geeks and nerds are fat, socially awkward, angry and in need of every bodies pity, whilst in most cases this may be true, it was unnecessary to throw it in the viewers face at every turn. I would absolutely NOT recommend this insulting pile of garbage to anyone other than maybe a schoolyard bully wanting to laugh at all the childish jokes that have ever been thought up to hurt nerds and geeks. I watched this movie because i was highly bored and the tag-line stood out, it failed to even alleviate the boredom slightly.

Subtle Insights and Honest Humor Propel This Critical Hit

[BaiNst · 10/10 · 15 August 2013]

Whether you've grown up with table top role playing games (RPGs), or have only looked upon it with the eyes of an outsider (including those of you who've only played computerized RPGs), I think you'll find this movie very entertaining. The humor and pathos of ZERO CHARISMA are presented with loving and honest insight, so that even if your impulse is to laugh at the "pathetic losers", you will be hard pressed to not also find some resonance of the characters' actions and feelings in your own life.

The respectful and subtle presentation of the character motivations and interactions is more akin to the geek/nerd trope presented in RUSHMORE or (the very excellent) WHITEBOYS, and not at all like the outsider's take in NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (though if you're a fan of that film, you'll find equally ridiculous behaviors and situations to guffaw over in this movie...they're just a little more layered).

There's no need to go into the story in any depth, as the logline of this film is all you need to know going in. It's a good movie, although I may only think it's a 10 because I've played D&D for thirty years...and I recognize that this movie is celebrating that at the same time that it shines a light on the negative aspects of giving up Real Life for a fantasy world that we can control.

Zero Redemption

[The_Real_Review · 4/10 · 12 July 2015]

This movie was incredibly disappointing, as it had plenty of potential but lacked any payoff or real redemption. First of all Scott's drug addict mother who abandoned her son comes back to humiliate him in front of his friends in the most crass and juvenile way imaginable. That is just pathetic and was hard to watch. Second, Scott's grandmother just agrees to sell her home to pay her useless daughter's debts and move into a nursing home? I mean seriously, no grandparent would agree to this. Finally Scott winds up playing RPGs with the elderly at the end? Just about anyone could have written a better script. WTF did I just watch?

Sadly disappointed

[curiosarcana · 4/10 · 5 November 2013]

I had such high hopes for this movie, as an avid D&D player through my college years and a fan of MMOs. Finally, the geeks get their due. We've got a gamer protagonist who is both sympathetic and pitiable. I rooted for him, I felt bad for him, I felt embarrassed for him. He does everything he can, but his luck is just terrible. His nemesis is better looking than him, has more friends, a better website, and he might be smarter, but he's also a bit douchey. A little stuck up. At first he looks like he might be the better man, but as we learn more about him, maybe not. Someone in another review compared this to Taxi Driver, and I can see why they'd say that. By the end I kept wondering how poor Scott could ever rectify his situation. There were people I was hoping he would just go mad and attack, because it looked like there was nothing else left for him to do. I'm avoiding spoilers here, but let me say that I was very disappointed in the ending. I think our hero deserved better than he got. If you're a table top gamer or you like RPGs or MMOs, definitely give it watch, but beware the finale. It's not as good as it could've been, by far.

Low-Budget Cringe Comedy

[COBRARocky · 8/10 · 22 January 2014]

This was a really funny little film, and one that you should definitely see if you like tabletop games or nerd culture in general. The characters of this film are perfect representations of the kind of people you meet if you are into this scene.

Sam Eidson is completely spot on as the overweight fantasy loving neckbearded manchild Scott and is a perfect caricature of the overbearing control freak Gamemasters that I have met many times. Watching him alienate everyone around him is painful to watch but at the same time hilarious

A very funny film, and one that actually manages to captures how socially stunted and unbearable these people can be.

Nonredeemable, and the movie is not so hot either.

[face-819-933726 · 4/10 · 11 May 2014]

It's not good if you even want to know. I was expecting something else, but this is just a D&D crazed bully who treats everyone around him badly, and never understands why they always want to get him back (yes, I get the plot) It just sucks, and the guy is too much of a looser, and way too much of a bully to ever be redeemable. The cast is trying to give you a good movie, and the over all production is pretty decent, the story just needed more reasons to like Scott. I would not recommend this movie to anyone unless I was really mad at them for something and I wanted to be a jerk, I did not Enjoy this movie, and I doubt you will either.

This movie just rolled a 20! Awesome!

[zeusandtomshow · 8/10 · 3 January 2014]

Sam Eidson does a fantastic job playing Scott, an old loser with an old school nerd gimmick. Living with his Nanna, but thinking he's a big shot. "Because I'm the game master, that's why," says the bumper sticker on his unimpressive car. Scott takes the audience with him on his descent from lowly loneliness into the abyss of public embarrassment via a myriad of burnt social bridges. Scott's ugly demise at the hands of Miles, played brilliantly by Garrett Graham is a thing of comic beauty. Scott's futile attempt to maintain his reign over his nerdlings falls short. Katie Folger is a bright spot, playing Kendra, Miles' girlfriend. "The gods must be avenged," as Scott would say, and you must watch this movie to find out if Scott has the last laugh. Highly recommended by The Zeus and Tom Show.

Comedy: The Genre to which Zero Charism Owes an Apology

[hooleydavid · 3/10 · 25 July 2017]

I watched this film without having read any reviews or knowing exactly what to expect, or even really what it was about. I have to say, it took me 2 sittings to get through from start to finish and really, I didn't enjoy this film at all.

The film is very slow paced, a bit sluggish and the story line just isn't obvious until the very end. For a comedy, I think I remember maybe one scene where I briefly cracked a smile, so I'm not sure it should be classed as as comedy.

The moral behind the story is the probably the best thing about this film, although there isn't a great deal else for it to compete with for that title.

A good insight I suppose into what life as "nerd" is like, but I'd not recommend it as a film to watch - Unless you're struggling to fall asleep. It certainly helped me with that.

Cracking little independent.

[richardinasia · 9/10 · 2 November 2013]

Really refreshing to see a flick that demonstrates so amply what can be achieved with just a good script.Solid characterization and some truly great moments for those who like their comedy with cringe.Fell down a little in the denouement,but clever pop culture referencing comedy with some genuine heartfelt moments. Especially interesting for those of us who grew up in the era of D&D, before video games ruled the earth,but not essential to have been there to get it.I haven't come across this group of actors before other than a the odd bit part, but there is the makings of an interesting ensemble cast here I think. Keen to see where some of the people who made this go from here.

A dramedy - not a comedy

[cekadah · 9/10 · 16 November 2013]

There is no need, what so ever, to have a knowledge of or background in computer gaming or board game role playing to enjoy this fine movie! The theme of the movie is built around gamers and their circle of fellow players who happen to be slightly socially inept and the clash of ego.

Scott - the game master or grand master - fulfills his ego by lording over his fellow players while creating his own world in the 'game'. Because outside of the 'game' he is a nobody, no real friends, no social life, no job. He is bossed around by his elderly grandmother and his mother (who abandoned him early in his life). Why the mother shows up in the story - you'll have to watch the movie! Then Scott finds his imaginary world and his marginal home life kicked out from under his control - he is lost - but determined to prove himself which only creates more chaos in his emotional world. He seems to learn his lesson about himself - but does he in the end?

The movie is a finely acted indie flick that addresses some element in many people and is told in such a way that you sympathize with these lost souls. There aren't any truly laugh out loud moments but some moments to chuckle at this collection of odd but well meaning people.

Brilliant, on all levels, epic, by all imagination.

[thomasw1985 · 9/10 · 14 June 2014]

This movie is raw truth! Pure emotion, overwhelming, distracting, painful, absolutely gut wrenching. I knew someone exactly like this, and it is as if Zero Charisma plucked him out of real life. Nothing I write can accurately describe the way this film and character made me feel. As if I was pulled back in time to high school experiencing the controlling menace of our local game master. Scott Weidemeyer represents more than some stereotype. This individual is complex, on so many levels. The scenes with his mother are horrific. I have an issue with a high level of empathy, and upon seeing a lot of these interactions like many, I cringe. On top of that I feel, not pity like some, but an overwhelming connection to a fellow human being isolated and alone. Everything about this movie, the soundtrack, the flow, the pacing, the scenery shot in Austin, TX. I loved it all! Scott experienced so much shame throughout his life. Being abandoned by his mother, embarrassed at every turn, his only positive interaction is his grandmother who doesn't relate to him at all, no role models, nothing except the steady growth of resentment. I recommend this to anyone interested in character driven stories that just so happen to involve board games. Only critique of the entire film though, *SPOILER ALERT*, no way could he drop him with a body shot.

Hilarious character study of an unbearable, obsessive man-child

[whitetigerzone · 8/10 · 28 April 2021]

The negative reviews here are most likely from guys for whom this movie struck a nerve. The acting and writing are excellent. You know this because this movie actually causes the viewer to feel compassion for and root for a character who is very nearly a complete solipsistic, self-absorbed buffoon. I don't know how someone could view it and find no comedy in it, unless they so strongly identify with the main character that they too acutely feel his pain. I was chuckling throughout and the perfectly delivered line "You wish!" made me lose it.

A big part of the humor is that the main character is a devotee of what is itself even a fading form of nerddom: the Dungeons and Dragons inspired tabletop fantasy role-playing game, and that he's even been able to assemble a clique of players for his own homemade, unpublished specimen. It's one of those domains in which the competition is so fierce because the stakes are so small.

The movie reminded me a little of the also excellent Big Fan (2009), another humorous character study of an obsessed man-child.

I was surprised, after watching it, to see how old this movie was. The actors in it, esp. The lead, deserve more additional roles and recognition than they've gotten.

I good movie with heart

[maclaird1 · 8/10 · 13 April 2014]

I see that some people are offended by this film. I can only guess that it is just a bit too close to home for them. The main character is both unlikable and pitiable in many ways. Some of us grew up identifying with the character. His journey forward requiring him to examine who he is and what his friends mean to him is an interesting one. I liked the ending and found the last scene both poignant and eye opening with the character showing his true self. While this movie is not for everyone I think it is an interesting study in how other perceive gamers and how they perceive themselves. In the long run are they really any more pathetic than the hipsters, jocks, or popular kids?

Darkly Comedic

[Redpawn3 · 9/10 · 17 October 2020]

There comes a point, the climax of the film perhaps when it he joke is no longer funny but tragic... don't give up. The storyline is darkly resonate beyond any fringe 'geek/nerd/gamer' reference. This movie could just as easily been about drugs, or sex, or religion. The changes and growth that occur in character are both dramatic and minute for those paying attention. Recommended to everyone as entertainment and character study.